Role of plasma nitric oxide in complete hydatidiform mole

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: This prospective study aimed to evaluate any relationship between development of complete hydatidiform mole and plasma levels of nitric oxide (a biologically active mediator derived from L-arginine), and human chorionic gonadotropin beta (beta-hCG; a metabolite involved in trophoblast production). METHODS: Levels of plasma nitric oxide and beta-hCG were measured in 38 patients with complete hydatidiform mole pregnancies, and nitric oxide levels were measured in 31 women with normal pregnancies who formed the control group. RESULTS: For patients compared with controls, mean plasma concentrations of nitric oxide were significantly higher (35.84 vs 29.54 microM; p < 0.001) and significantly associated with increased risk of hydatidiform mole (odds ratio 1.0105, 95% confidence interval 1.0034-1.0176). No significant relationship was found between plasma levels of nitric oxide and beta-hCG in the patient group. CONCLUSION: In patients with complete hydatidiform mole compared with controls, plasma nitric oxide levels were found to be significantly higher and associated with increased molar risk.